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Nominations Open for 2017 Fall Awards

Each year, Bright Promises recognizes and celebrates the important work begin done on behalf of vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Illinois by honoring key individuals who deeply embody our mission to provide every child with the opportunity to flourish. This year, we will honor three individuals during our 2017 Fall Awards on Tuesday, September 12 from 5:30p-7:30p at the University Club of Chicago.

This free event includes complimentary cocktails and hor d'oeuvres, a silent auction, the presentation of the 2017 Awards and the announcement of our new grant recipients.

Do you know someone whose work on behalf of children deserves recognition? Submit your nomination before 5:00p on Friday, April 21, 2017. Links to all three nomination forms are available below. Questions or having trouble accessing the nomination form? Email katherine.dreher@brightpromises.org for assisstance.

The Champion for Children Award recognizes, honors, and supports the outstanding contributions of a civic leader that has helped to advance the mission of Bright Promises Foundation. This award is presented to a luminary individual or organization that has shown exceptional dedication in their support for at-risk children, and whose commitment and belief in building a better future for Chicago kids helps the child-serving community attain new levels of success. This award is presented as a part of our "Countdown to 150" series of special events and activities counting down to Bright Promises 150th anniversary.

Bright Promises' Vide President Marilyn Eisenberg with 2016 Champion for Children Award recipient Gigi Pritzker

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the unflagging commitment of the honoree to improve the lives of vulnerable children in Illinois. This award is given to a professional in children's services who has made 10+ years of outstanding contributions to the welfare of children and to programs benefiting disadvantaged children during his or her lifetime.

Executive Director Iris Krieg with 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Ron Manderschied of Northwestern University Settlement House

The Bright Star Award is given to an early or mid-career professional in children's services who shows great motivation, enthusiasm and promise in exemplifying our mission to benefit disadvantaged children in Illinois. The Bright Star Award is presented at our annual Fall Awards event on Tuesday, September 12 and is accompanied by an honorarium of $5,000.

Board Director Gaylord Gieseke with 2016 Bright Star Award recipient Maria Munoz of Erie Neighborhood House’s Youth Option Unlimited